65. Robert Lang (2008-2009)
Served 2 Years
Robert “Bobby” Lang was born November 18, 1955, in Bethpage, New York and is the son of John and Louise Lang. He joined Hook and Ladder Company 6 in August of 1974. During his tenure in the 70’s, Bobby was an integral part of the “Hicks” Drill Team. After 10 years of serving his community he left the Department to become one of New York City's Bravest, joining the FDNY, serving for over 2 decades including time spent during the rescue and recovery at Ground Zero. After years of hard work and true dedication he retired in 2005.
Robert married Elizabeth “Betty” Voorhies, (daughter of ex-Chief Mel Voorhies) in 1984. He still resides on Herman Avenue where they raised their two children, Michael, and Kristin. He now shares his life with Christina Neofytides. Michael and his wife, Jaclyn have 4 children: Robert, Luke, Tyler and Antoinette. His daughter Kristin married Douglas Chiz, (son of ex-Chief Robert Chiz) and gave Bobby three grandchildren: Eloise, Emma and Connor. The families remain residents of Hicksville, with Mike and Doug continuing to serve both the FDNY and the Hicksville FD. Following in his father’s footsteps, Michael is an ex-Captain of Protection Hook and Ladder Company 1. Bobby’s brother Dave is also a member of Company 1 and a retired Firefighter with the New York City Fire Department.
While still serving the city, Bobby returned to the Department, joining Protection Hook and Ladder Company 1 in August of 1994. He was elected as 2nd Lieutenant and 1st Lieutenant before subsequently elected as their Captain.
Bobby was elected as 3rd Assistant Chief 2002-2003, 2nd Assistant Chief 2004-2005, and 1st Assistant Chief in 2006-2007. Robert was elected as the 65th Chief Officer in 2008 and 2009. His Assistant Chiefs were Edward Korona, 1st Assistant, Christopher Moskos, 2nd Assistant and Frank McGeough as 3rd Assistant Chief.
Bobby is a past Captain of “Hicks” Drill Team and has had the responsibility of being the team’s driver since 2007. For many years he was an integral part of the Labor Day Parade & Drill, serving as Chairman in 2001. He was given a lifetime achievement award by the Nassau County Drill Team Association for his years of commitment both on and off the track, an honor that is only presented to one individual each season.
Bobby has been involved in many training committees throughout his years in the Department to teach and pass on his firefighting skills. One of the more unfortunate things associated with the fire service is dealing with the loss of a friend and coworker. In October of 2008, Chief Lang was notified of a workplace fatality of probationary firefighter George Dillman, of Volunteer Hose Company 4. George, employed by Consolidated Edison, was killed while working in an underground electrical structure in Queens. Chief Lang led the members through this difficult time as they participated in the funeral.
Under the direction of Chief Lang, fifty firefighters battled a blaze on November 26, 2009, at the Nassau County Public Works Building on Cantiague Rock Road.
Bobby was presented with the Hicksville Fire Department Henry Gebhardt Award for his quick thinking and actions, and for the great personal risk taken in the saving of a life. The Hicksville Fire Department received a call from Firecom for a report of a house fire at 200 Richard Avenue. Upon arrival 2nd Assistant Chief Robert Lang was flagged down by a frantic teenage female who stated that there was smoke coming from the rear of the house and that the resident was still inside. Chief Lang proceeded to the rear of the house and upon investigation, forced entry into a rear door and noted a heavy smoke condition. Without the use of any personal protective equipment, he proceeded into the apartment to do an initial search. In doing so he located and removed an unconscious, unresponsive female. After exiting the house, he radioed that first aid was needed immediately at the back of the house. He began basic life support and was met by Nassau County Police Officers that had arrived on the scene. The victim was turned over to the Nassau County Police Emergency Services and was transported to Nassau University Medical Center where she was listed in critical condition. As of December 26, 2004, after speaking with the patient's father, it was reported that the female had suffered from smoke inhalation, respiratory burns, second and third degree burns to her hands, chest, and feet. She had been moved from the intensive care unit and was removed from the respirator.
On September 28, 2020, an alarm was transmitted at 0525 hours for a reported house fire at 9 Sutherland Road, with possible people trapped. A Signal 10 was transmitted and Captain Moskos II directed two firefighters to wrap the hydrant and stretch an attack line to the front door. This house was set way back off the street behind another house that fronted on Sutherland Road. Entry was not possible from the front door, so Captain Moskos and Lieutenant Andrew Niemczyk and crew forced the side door on exposure 4 side to gain entry. Moskos and Niemczyk were met with a push of heavy smoke and heat as they entered. A short way in the female victim was found in the kitchen on the floor unconscious. Captain Moskos grabbed the victim, along with Lieutenant Niemczyk removed the victim from the structure. Once outside, although unconscious, the victim was breathing. At that point, they turned the patient over to waiting EMS personnel.
In 2010, Robert was elected to serve as Fire Commissioner of the Hicksville Fire District serving two 5-Year terms, serving as the Chairman in 2013 and 2019.
